I want to start exercising but I don't know where to start

xLyric
xLyric Posts: 840 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Eating at 1200 calories is starting to wear me out (literally; I'm getting tired ALL the time) so I want to start doing the TDEE plan a bit so I can eat like a normal human being. The only way that's going to do me any good though is if I start getting fit as well, instead of eating whatever as long as I was under calories and laying around. It's gotten me 50lbs gone so far, but it's time to get into shape a whittle down to my goal so I look good when I get there.

First, I want to get something about HRMs cleared up before I buy one: If I buy, say, the Polar FT4 because it's on sale, will it give me a reasonably accurate estimate of my calorie burn? I'm not going to be able to up my calories that much unless I know I'm exercising the right amount. If someone would like to explain a little more besides "heart rate up equals good and calories burnt" I'd appreciate it.

Second, I did the 30 Day Shred for a while. I liked it, it was easy enough for my weak self, but I wonder if it's a little too easy? Do HRMs work well with it? Is it enough to do that every day? I feel like it wouldn't be, but I also don't want to exhaust myself, which I think I would do with P90X. Which brings me to my next question, which is what about P90X? Haha. The stereotype is that it's extremely hard, but I don't actually know. What about Power 90? Better/worse than 30DS as far as total workout and the ability of someone who gets winded going up the stairs to do it? Is the P90 stuff good with HRMs?

Help would be GREATLY appreciated. I really want to start making a fitter change, I just want to make sure I do it right.

Side note: while I have access to my school's gym, the program I'm in makes me extremely busy. Some days I might have an hour to work out, and why waste half that time getting to the gym? Ideally any exercise will be done in my bedroom.

Replies

  • Graelwyn75
    Graelwyn75 Posts: 4,404 Member
    I suggest trying the site I like below first, before investing in an expensive programme like p90x, and also suggest researching thoroughly into p90x first, as there is criticism of it, as well as praise.

    Also, the creator of p90x has a book called 'Bring It' which has most of the stuff in p90x in book form, and various training routines you can follow, as well as some nutritional information.

    http://www.fitnessblender.com/v/exercise-detail/HIIT-the-Ground-Running-33-Min-High-Intensity-Interval-Training-for-Endurance-Total-Body-Toning/e3/
  • xLyric
    xLyric Posts: 840 Member
    As far as spending goes, I'd probably borrow the DVDs from someone I know, at least at first.
  • xLyric
    xLyric Posts: 840 Member
    I suggest trying the site I like below first, before investing in an expensive programme like p90x, and also suggest researching thoroughly into p90x first, as there is criticism of it, as well as praise.

    Also, the creator of p90x has a book called 'Bring It' which has most of the stuff in p90x in book form, and various training routines you can follow, as well as some nutritional information.

    http://www.fitnessblender.com/v/exercise-detail/HIIT-the-Ground-Running-33-Min-High-Intensity-Interval-Training-for-Endurance-Total-Body-Toning/e3/

    I really like the look of that, thanks. I imagine it will work well with a HRM since I'd be moving so much, and it seems similar to the 30 Day Shred? Thanks for the link!
  • Controversial
    Controversial Posts: 157 Member
    Great job on deciding to eat more! As for exercise, whatever looks appealing to you is what you are most likely to stick with. I did P90X because I was attracted to the idea of weightlifting but I didn't feel ready for it until I shed more weight. Everyone I knew seemed to think that it would be too hard for me. Of course it wasn't. That was a great segway in my opinion for what I do now, New Rules of Lifting For Women.

    My point is do what you like, whether you think you can handle it or not. OF COURSE you can handle it -- You can do anything.
  • Inshape13
    Inshape13 Posts: 680 Member
    I try to switch it up with my workouts and have a pretty good mix between dvds and the gym. I started out with kickboxing and then moved on to harder workouts as well. I did the Ripped In 30 for 3 weeks and then messed up my knee because I was doing it numerous times a day. Lately I began Bob Harpers Inside Out Method(the one with 4 DVDs in a pack) and it has a great mix at $15 and is still quite challenging with heavy enough weights. Each of the dvds comes with an hour workout and an additional 20 minute workout also which targets specific areas. Great decision to up the calories and workout.
  • denitraross
    denitraross Posts: 325 Member
    I agree on the eating more decision..I struggled with this at first but quickly came to realize that you need to eat to lose!! If you like the 30 day shred, try some other JM DVD's, I own almost everyone and mix them in when I want to or have to work out at home...Killer buns & thighs, No more trouble zones, ripped in 30, kickbox fast fix are some good ones to name a few...and the good thing about her DVDs are they are not long and each has different levels so you can continue to challenge yourself...

    I also like the Bob Harper dvds....P90X takes alot of time and dedication...however, I have never done the program itself, but have all the videos and do them here and there to mix things up....I did do Insanity right through to the 9 week then I stopped becuase I was extremely bored and unmotivated and just needed to go back to the gym.....it is a killer workout (maybe not for a newbie)....

    As for the HRM - get one!! I didnt have one for the first while and had to use the machine or what MFP said I burned....huge difference once you really know what you are burning!
  • attbis
    attbis Posts: 1
    I just thought I would share what im doing. Its working and I just started a couple of weeks ago.

    I joined Planet Fitness for 10 bucks a month. Cant beat that. I starting using my fitness pal to track my exercise and calories. You are looking at your net calories with exercise, so dont think of it as somehow just getting buy on 1200 calories. I have a kellogs protein shake and nutri grain bar every morning (300 calories) lunch i try to shoot for around 500 calories, dinner around 600. Then add a protein shake in there during the day and im at around 1600. Then I do 20 min of cardio every day (-200) and then twice a week i lift weights for 45 min which burns 400-500..So far I have been losing close to a pound a day, I am 43 and have been stuck at 218 pounds forever...So dont be discouraged you can do this without starving yourself, and you can do it without eating stuff you dont like
  • catbyrd
    catbyrd Posts: 87 Member
    I received a suggestion from a friend that has greatly helped me. The Biggest Loser Videos are around $10 each and they have a variety. These are awesome workouts if you are just wanting to start exercising. They don't seem so overwhelming.

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